Summerlin shares story of long run

October 14, 2013

SHEPHERDSTOWN - Freedom's Run left no signs it ever occurred Saturday in Shepherdstown, but it left big impressions on those who participated this year.

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West Virginian Jamie Summerlin, a first-time Freedom's Run participant, took a freedom run of his own in 2012, running coast to coast in 100 days, but accomplishing that feat didn't lessen the power of what he sees at every race. He spoke three times Friday to race participants about his journey.

"I ran my first marathon a little under four years ago. I was never a distance runner," Summerlin said.

The journey took him 3,452 miles across the country and made him the 48th person to complete a true transcontinental run from coast to coast.

"I realized I not only had a passion for running, but my wife and I are both Marine Corps veterans," he said about what inspired his run.

As a Gulf War-ear veteran, Summerlin served six years in the Marines and spends a lot of his time focusing on helping his brothers in the service. He wanted to raise money for the cause but also wanted something that would last more than just one day and be forgotten quickly after.

The solution: run across the country.

"They are dealing with a lot of challenges," he said.

He hoped seeing him overcome obstacles in his run inspired others to overcome their own obstacles in life. Summerlin titled his speeches at Freedom's Run "Dream Big, Going Farther."

"Whatever it was, I had to push through," he said about his run as he faced inclement weather and injuries. "I speak a lot about the why."

Summerlin's dream started with his first marathon and hasn't stopped growing since.

The ever-growing dream led him to his big journey and 10 pairs of Saucony shoes.

"When I got the shoes, the first thing I did was mark them one through 10," he said.

He traded shoes every day to ensure running on essentially the same tread every day instead of breaking in a new pair in every two weeks.

Summerlin averaged 34.5 miles a day and faced only one rough injury and some snow.

Shin splints formed in Summerlin's left leg on Day 5, causing his leg to swell. He finally broke down four days later and had his wife break the adhesions.

"It was enough pain to cause me to scream," he said, calling it one of the most painful things he's ever experienced. "(The breaking) literally sounded like Rice Krispies."

Summerlin was more prepared for the large snow drifts.

"I'd ran a lot here in West Virginia prior to taking off before the run," he said. "I tried to run through all sorts of weather and conditions, because I knew there'd be no break days."

In the 21-month planning process, Summerlin ran 2,750 miles and in numerous ultramarathons. He saw weather of all sorts, including a 7-degree day that left his son laughing.

"I had what we call 'lashcicles,'" he explained. His sweat froze on his eyelashes, making small icicles.

While sharing his experience with Freedom's Run participants, he gave a few pieces of advice.

Summerlin lives by the words, "Listen to your body." He sees people go run through their injuries and get sidelined for months.

"I have no problem just taking a break," he said.

Many first-time marathoners approached Summerlin after his speeches, asking for more advice. His words were simple.

"Embrace every step," he said. " I wanted to make sure I remembered every step of the journey."

One of Summerlin's current goals is for a healthier West Virginia. He hosted a 5K in his hometown of Burnsville. A total of 157 people signed up for the event, and Summerlin said his mom would see people, who had never ran before, training on the path.

"It encouraged them because there was a purpose," he said, adding people tell him they still walk and run because of that first event.

Much like those runners, Summerlin couldn't stop once he started, including running the Freedom's Run.

"I never go to an event without running the event," he said.

Summerlin ran the full marathon, placing 54th overall with a time of 3 hours, 45 minutes, 52 seconds and 17th in the 40-49-year-old men's group.

Though disappointed not to run the original course this year, Summerlin is excited to come back for another Freedom's Run.